The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-12
YOUNG MEN AND POLITICS
The Sermon of Rev. E. J. CAN'T on the
Responsibilities of Citizenship.
Ben Hogans Talk on Prodigal Sons, and How
to Reach misunderstanding Song
Services at Roberts Park Church.

Rev. E j. CAN'T took for the text OF his dis
course to young men in politics, Let every soul
be subject unto the higher powers. For there
is power but of God; the powers that be
ordained of God" Romans xiii, r. He said
there had been much discussion among critics
as to what powers are here meant, but the third
verse seems to Indicate conclusively that civil
governments are referred to. The words are:
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but
TO the evil. Wilt thou rot. them be afraid of
the power7 Do that which is good. and thou
shalt have praise of the same" There are
numerous injunctions in the Scriptures of sub
mission to civil rulers. The Savior himself set
IN example of obedience When he was
asked whether it lawful TO pay
tribute to Caesar, and the penny was brought
md the image and inscription pointed out, he
bald: Render unto Caesar the things that are
Csessrs. and unto God the things that are Gods"
When the officer smote him for his answer to
the high priest Jesus said to him. IF have
spoken evil bear witness of the evil but if we'll,
why smitest thou mel" This meant that the
officer had exceeded his lawful authority. and
was equivalent to appeal to the law. PAUL
claimed and exercised his full rights Roman
citizen. If in accordance with these examples
we have the right to cali on the government for
protection, it becomes important to take part IN
forming the government. This is within the
proper limits of Christianity. Some people
eriticise preachers for taking part in politics,
for their own negligence of religious duties.
young man ought to take part in politics.
but he ought to do it intelligent'y. He should
associate himself with whatever party
he thinks gives the best promise of safety,
peace aud prosperity to the Nation. He should
investigate and reflect before entering actively
into politics Hereditary politics is no credit to
anyone. The voter should be acquainted with
the institutions of the country and its interests.
For that reason foreigners should not be al
lowed vote until thew have been here long
native-born citizens
It is sometimes said that should vote for
men, measures. AS to smaller offices that
10 reasonable. There is natural tendency of
Inferior towards these positions,
sount of the inadequate compensation they
afford to better men. Our school boards
Jery important and yet in some States the
members receive compensation for their
.abor On the other hand, in larger Offices. when
matters Of national or State policy are involved.
The measures should receive larger attention.
Of things be in the hands Of theidominant party
and controlled by its policy. This is necessary
and proper In times OF gravity it is more safe
30 have the Office controlled by the united voice
of the party than by the ideas of one man.
There is no field of work which offers greater
temporal advantages to a young man than poll
fics. Young men should not seek for clerkships
In Washington, for it would be better to leave
nearly ali such positions for women But In
the more Independent departments OF political
work there are honors to be won that cannot be
won elsewhere He would prefer political life
toanything except the ministry. A man elected
10 Office should remember that from that time
he is the servant of the publc-not merely of
his party. Yet second to his allegiance to his
country ought to be his allegiance to his party.
Above all. ne should remember that he is
sponsible to God. So, too, should one remem-
Der this in the private life, for citizenship here
q Is for citizenship above and 1t Is but little
time until he shall be called away to assume his
part in the great government of the future.